BEST ACTIVITIES IN AFRICA 2023


Activities in Africa / Underwater Waterfalls Mauritius. Image: @xaviercoiffic


Africa is filled with weird and wonderful things to do and see. If you take a closer look into Africa’s varied countries you will be spoiled for choice on the amount of bizarre and fascinating things you can encounter and experience. If you have a taste for unearthing the extraordinary to add to your Africa bucket list then look no further. 

Activities in Africa span beyond safari’s although safari’s can also be done in a unique way (more on that below). Scratch the surface of this historical and cultural land and you’ll find much more than just safari vehicles, exotic animals and luxurious campsites. If you have a good amount of time to travel, you will experience endless opportunities to really discover the true Africa. 

This article is for everyone who loves to add unique African activities to their to-do list. Of course, not everything on this list will be your cup of tea but maybe one or two excursions will be something you can add to your adventure or even build an adventure based on the African activities below. 

AFRICAN LION SAFARI

Discover An African Safari With A Unique Perspective. Bridging Lion Conservation With Adventure Travel. Join us on our adventure!


Activities in Africa / Hot Air Balloon Africa. Image: @sutirtab

  1. HOT AIR BALLOON SERENGETI

    A hot air balloon in the Serengeti is one of the most wondrous things to do in Africa. Fly across the amazing landscapes peacefully and let the quiet breeze glide you across this stunning National Park. Hot air balloons are able to skim the tops of trees enabling you to spot the bird life at eye level or let the flight take you a little higher to get a wider, more expansive view to spot lions running across the savannah or giraffes galloping to nearby forests. A typical hot air balloon ride within the Serengeti ranges from $200 to $600 per person depending on if you would like to fly privately or within a public group. A hot air balloon Serengeti is one of the best African activities to encounter. It’s an incredible way to experience a safari from high above and a fascinating way to observe animals. If you can brave the early morning start times then you will never want this African activity to end. 

Activities in Africa / Cycling Safari. Image: @vaccinium

2. CYCLING SAFARI

A cycling safari is an exceptional way to see Africa. If you are an adventure enthusiast and love to cycle on two wheels - this could be the perfect adventure for you. It is also one of the best things to do in Africa too.

Cycling safaris are becoming more and more popular, with cycling safaris available in most African countries and National Parks. A typical cycling safari can last from a short excursion to a seven day trip or longer. Your professional cycling safari guide will guide you through varied terrains, landscapes and magnificent wildlife habitats to experience the real Africa. It’s a truly remarkable and freeing way to observe wild animals and allows you to view closer animal sightings without being confined in a safari vehicle. A big positive about doing a cycling safari is that you can observe animals much more advantageously since you are traveling quietly. A cycling safari doesn't just give you a unique way to safari, but it is also great exercise - sometimes covering 20-30 miles a day. It's a perfect African activity in every way.

3. GORILLA TREKKING IN UGANDA

Trek through the Ugandan forests and come face to face with a gorilla! What could be more breath-taking? Trekking with gorillas is one of the most favored activities in Africa. Due to the nature of observing gorillas, only around 152 people per day can go gorilla trekking in Uganda, which is similar to that in Rwanda too. 

Gorilla trekking can be one of the most humbling ways to observe these wonderful animals. Imagine trekking through densely populated forests to encounter a family of gorillas, watch them play, groom each other and observe their fascinating behavior. It’s a truly magnificent experience.  

Gorilla trekking usually varies from eight day adventures onwards and prices in Uganda can start from around $7,000 per person upwards. You can also opt to go gorilla trekking in Rwanda, as both Rwanda and Uganda are the two most popular places to see gorillas.

Activities in Africa / Gorilla in Uganda. Image: @francesco_ungaro

4. SWIM WITH WHALE SHARKS IN MOZAMBIQUE

Mozambique is home to some of the most fascinating whale sharks you will ever witness. They flock to the Mozambique seas throughout the year and who’s to blame them? Their waters are crystal clear and they are also home to three incredible ecosystems that attract whale sharks far and wide. What’s so unique about the whale shark is that it has colorful markings on its entire body, making it very distinct to those of other sharks. 

Believe it or not, whale sharks are actually extremely friendly creatures. Their size is pretty sizable but they are not harmful to humans in the slightest, which makes them great creatures to swim with. If you choose to opt to swim with whale sharks, it will certainly be one of the most enjoyable activities in Africa. 

Unfortunately, the beautiful whale shark is endangered. Humans are their main threat through commercial fishing. Such big, beautiful and harmless creatures are close to extinction. To be able to encounter and swim with a whale shark is a true privilege. If you get the chance to go, don't hesitate. 

Whale shark excursions cost around $45-$55 with snorkel equipment excluded. 

Activities in Africa / Whale Shark. Image: @sebaspenalambarri

5. OBSERVE THE UNDERWATER WATERFALLS OF MAURITIUS

One of the most spectacular things to do in Africa is visit the underwater waterfalls of Mauritius. The breath-taking sight of the underwater waterfalls is one of the wonders of the world. Mauritius is a spectacular place and is ideal for many activities in Africa. Mauritius is situated within a cluster of islands and is the biggest island within this group. Formed by a volcano, it’s home to beautiful vast coral reefs, stunning wildlife habitat and the spectacle that is the underwater waterfalls. The underwater waterfall is situated in the Indian ocean and it is an incredible phenomenon. Looking at the ocean from above, the ocean looks as if there is an underwater waterfall happening beneath, however it is actually the consequence of the sinking sands that plunge into the deep waters right down to the very bottom of the ocean. What’s even more fascinating about this amazing spectacle is that it is completely safe to swim in as well as surf too. It's one of the most highly rated things to do in Africa and well worth the jaw dropping views. 

6. GO ON AN AFRICAN LION SAFARI

One of the best ways to observe and learn about lions is to go on an African Lion Safari. It is one of the most intriguing things to do in Africa as well as being a stand-out African activity. 

This is a safari with a difference and if you have a passion for lions then this could be the very African activity for you. What's different about an African Lion safari compared to a normal safari is that you get to learn and focus on lion species rather than all of the other animals combined. Being able to focus on lion species alone will allow you to explore this species in more depth. From getting to know pride members, observing their movements and actions, looking out for lion spoors, learning about their history, the obstacles they are facing for their fight for survival and how you can be a part of helping the species thrive. It’s a fascinating look at lions and also allows you to enjoy the stunning landscapes and attractions that Africa has to offer. 

We have created a groundbreaking African Lion Safari, where we expose our guests to resources they can only find on this adventure. We travel to the best locations in Tanzania from Lake Manyara, Ngorongoro Crater to the Serengeti where we will focus on lions as we watch the Great Migration unfold - one of the most exciting events in Africa! Guests will also be subject to activities that allow them to be exposed to lions in different ways than on a normal safari - you will learn, be in awe and experience an adventure like no other. It will be a life-changing experience where you will have the opportunity to change the narrative of lions. One of the very best things to do in Africa! Read more about the full itinerary HERE

Activities in Africa / Lion Observation in Africa


Make An Impact On Your Next African Safari!

Discover an African Safari with a unique perspective. We have developed one of the most extraordinary experiences that bridges Lion Conservation with adventure travel.

Our expedition takes us on a thrilling route through Tanzania - exploring one of the most extraordinary journeys in Africa.

Our African safari trip will highlight Lion Conservation and we will be exposing travellers to resources and experiences you will only encounter through this adventure. Experience lion conservation from the worlds best lion conservation experts and registered conservation charities to enable you to broaden your safari experience above and beyond your wildest dreams.

‘AFRICAN LION SAFARI’ Is Our Biggest Adventure Yet